Other popular locations

Vancouver RV Rental

Welcome to Vancouver, home of the Canucks and a great starting point for your British Columbia motorhome holiday.

Hiring a motorhome from Vancouver

With fewer than a million people living in the city, Vancouver is the eighth most populous city in Canada. A city where the water meets the mountains, Vancouver makes for a beautiful beginning to your RV vacation. When you organize your Vancouver motorhome hire with Motorhome Republic, you’ll have the choice of 13 fleets of campervan rentals. If you’re traveling with a partner and only need a small two-berth motorhome, you’ll have countless options within this range, and the same goes for if you’re looking to travel with a family, or a group! Hire a Vancouver motorhome for a few days or a few weeks and get a taste of what Canada really has to offer.

What to do with your Vancouver motorhome

Only a quick 90 minutes north of Vancouver is the beautiful Whistler, a small resort village that thrives throughout the year. The drive there along the Sea to Sky Highway offers mountains, trees and lakes at every turn, and Whistler itself is the perfect spot for a ski holiday in winter, or a golfing, hiking and camping break in summer.

The Okanagan Valley in BC is a little-known gem that’s a wine lover’s paradise, as it plays a large part in the production of 15 million liters of wine that the area produces every year. It specializes in ice wine, but also does a delicious chardonnay, merlot, cab sav, pinot gris and pinot noir.

While you’re in the Okanagan area, be sure to visit Myra Canyon. It’s home to the Kettle Valley Railway Trail which you can bike or hike, as well as numerous adventure activities such as Frisbee golf, horseback riding, and slack lining.

Almost 9 hours east of Vancouver are the Fairmont Hot Springs. This resort is situated in the Rocky Mountains, and has everything from world-class skiing to relaxing hot springs, golf courses, spa treatments and hiking tracks.

North of the Fairmont Hot Springs, or roughly 8 hours northeast of Vancouver, you’ll find the incredible Takakkaw Falls in the Yoho National Park. The word Yoho comes from a Cree word that means ‘awe’ and that’s certainly what you’ll feel when you see the falls, lakes and mountains of this 1,310 square kilometre park.

In case you have some time to spare, you could start a road trip across the Rockies and then make your way to Calgary and/or Edmonton. Alternatively, you could head South to Seattle in the USA.

Best times of year to rent a Vancouver motorhome

Vancouver has the unfortunate nickname of ‘raincouver’, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t nice times of year.

For a Canadian city, the winters are quite mild, ranging from 30 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Snow won’t often fall or settle on the ground in Vancouver.

The rain tends to start in fall (October) and continues through to March, with its peak in November.

Spring and summer are often considered the best time of year to visit. While there can still sometimes be some rain, Vancouver is relatively dry throughout these hot months. The temperature can vary a lot, but it will generally average around the low 70s (degrees Fahrenheit) throughout July and August.

From Mountain to Sea - RV Rental in Vancouver

With a stunning natural setting and a region full of adventure, Vancouver is the perfect place to rent an RV and head out to enjoy Canada’s best features. Visit the beautiful sounds and inlets, explore the mountains, or head across to Vancouver Island which is a natural playground for holidaymakers.

The natural beauty of Vancouver

Hemmed in by various waterways and overlooked by a beautiful mountain range, Vancouver can only be described as stunning. A highly regarded place to live, it has a strong international reputation for an eco-friendly infrastructure.

With the mountains and oceans adjacent to skyscrapers and suburbs, the city delivers urban character alongside its picturesque location. Skiers, hikers, golfers and other outdoorsy types flock there, while a keen city-dweller can find just as much to do and enjoy in Vancouver.

Accommodation in Vancouver

Places to stay in the city can be pricey – some hostel accommodation costs upwards of $35 a night, although cheaper beds are available. Better deals can be found in spring or autumn.

Location is the most important consideration. Is it important to be close to the downtown action? If so, there are plenty of chain and independent hotels, and the majority of backpacker hostels are in the CBD. On the outskirts, prices are lower and there are more motels and bed and breakfast-style accommodations in the mix. Richmond is good for those wishing to stay close to the airport. Campgrounds ringing the city are a haven for motorhome travellers.

Annual Vancouver Events

The events calendar is full and diverse. The year kicks off with a Polar Bear Swim on January 1 and ends with the Festival of Lights in late December. In between, there are all sorts of festivals and celebrations at various small venues, along with the bigger Pacific National Exhibition and Vancouver Convention Centre. Significant annual events include the Fair at the PNE, the Vancouver Pride Parade, Canada Day celebrations and CelticFest Vancouver.

Culinary Capital

You are spoilt for choice with dining options. In fact, some would give Vancouver the alliterative title of ‘Culinary Capital of Canada’. Freshly caught seafood from the Pacific is an important ingredient in most kitchens, and Vancouver chefs are not afraid to branch out from the usual North American options. The Asian food scene is huge, and along with street food this ensures there are plenty of delicious dishes at all price points, from takeaways to fine dining.

Watering holes can be found anywhere in the city, including quiet local pubs to the nightclubs of downtown. Beer drinkers will find their own at the Granville Island Brewery or the Alibi Room near Gastown, which specialises in local micro-brews. Escape the RV for an evening to hole up in one of these fabulous pubs.

Port and People

Beautiful Vancouver is certainly blessed with nature and history. Its strategic position allows booming fishing industries, tourism and commerce. Popular Alaska cruises call in or depart there, the port is busy with container and fishing ships, and US citizens pop over the border easily.

The Vancouver area was once home to the Coast Salish peoples, and was explored by Europeans in 1792. Now, it is home to a huge variety of people of many ethnicities and cultures, with music, art, food and events in the city showcasing many of them. A love of the outdoors is a trait shared by many Vancouverites, as they come to live here for the access to the beautiful landscapes of the British Columbia region.

Things to See, Things to Do

To become acquainted with Vancouver and its people, head to Stanley Park. It is a beloved green space in the heart of the city, designated a national historic site. The park’s 400 hectares include extensive walking trails, beaches, an aquarium, a miniature railway and water park, beautiful gardens and more. Certainly one of the top ten things to do.

For hiking, camping and climbing, head out of the city. Golf courses also abound, and the mild climate makes it easy to play almost year-round. Keen boaties and fishermen will appreciate boat rentals on Granville Island, and there are plenty of watersport companies offering lessons and rentals. Most recreational hobbies can be accommodated in Vancouver. Those who prefer to watch others exert themselves can enjoy hockey, Canadian football, soccer, baseball and roller-derby.

The Public Market on Granville Island is a great place to taste local produce. The best local farmers, bakers, butchers and fishmongers exhibit their wares and people flock here every day. The market is open from 9am to 7pm, seven days a week. Park up your RV and say hi – you may well be back for seconds! The entire island is, in fact, one of the best places to go in Vancouver - home to studios, boutiques, a marina and a variety of buskers.

Vancouver Transport - Getting around

With no freeway leading into the city centre, Vancouver relies heavily on public transport and cycling, benefitting the environment greatly. Buses, SkyTrain Rapid Transit and passenger ferries make getting around easy. Regional transportation authority, TransLink, manage and integrate the system so you can transfer between on one ticket, valid for 1.5 hours.

Bicycles are available to rent by the hour, day or week. Buses have bicycle racks on the front to allow cyclists to access suburbs further afield. Informative and interesting bicycle tours of the city are available. To travel longer distances and explore the region, a motorhome rental is your best option.

The Forecast

Vancouver’s climate is classified as moderate oceanic. Protected by Vancouver Island, the city experiences less rain than other coastal areas and has more sunshine. Snow is an occasional, but infrequent occurrence in the wintertime. The weather forecast in July and August is generally sunny and this is the peak time for visiting. Around summer solstice time the twilight can last past 10pm, making for beautiful evenings and long days.

Which RV Rental?

Motorhome Republic makes it easy to find the best rental vehicle for your requirements. Just enter the dates, location and vehicle specifications into the site’s simple search engine and browse the results to find the right one amongst a range of suppliers.

Pointers for RV Rental in Vancouver

Keep in mind these simple tips to make the most of your RV holiday from Vancouver.

Park up in the suburbs or at your campground and use public transport in central Vancouver where possible, as parking is at a premium.

Total insurance cover allows a more stress-free driving holiday.

If you are planning to drive in the mountains in winter, it is recommended that you have a winter survival kit and cellphone in your vehicle. Drive slowly and carefully. Temperatures are also prone to a sharp drop in the evenings.

You will also find your vehicle will be Winterized when temperatures are expected below freezing. This means anti-freeze will be added to all water tanks to avoid them cracking. As such you will not be allowed to use the running water or toilet facilities on board your vehicle.

If you are planning to travel to the US, don’t assume the rental company will allow you – always check.

RV rental depots in Vancouver

Go West RV Center and Casual Camping

Go West RV Rentals and Casual Camping operate from the same depot at 32 Fawcett Rd, Coquitlam, which is a 30­ to 40 minute drive from Vancouver International Airport. Go West rents a range of RVs, including van conversions fitted with toilets and showers, diesel RVs and 30 ­foot triple slider motorhomes. Casual Camping adds additional medium and large motorhomes. Many of the rental vehicles are well­ known brands such as Winnebago, Coachmen, Jayco, Roadtrek and Triple E. The Vancouver branch operates Monday to Saturday 8.30am til 4pm, but is closed on Sundays and on public holidays, and has English, German and Dutch speakers on staff to make the process as easy as possible. There is a seven­ night minimum on all motor home rentals, and a 14 ­night minimum on Northern Rentals, Early Bird discounts and the all- inclusive package, giving you plenty of time to get out and explore British Columbia.

Happy Holidays Motorhomes

Motorhomes and campervans from Happy Holidays Motorhomes are all equipped with bathroom facilities, have spacious areas for sleeping and living, and are immaculately maintained. The depot is found on the Sunshine Coast at 1002 Marine Drive in Gibsons, which is a beautiful two­ hour drive and ferry ride from Vancouver Airport. Due to the distance from the airport, Happy Holidays offers free transfers for any RV rentals of 10 days or more, in which they arrange for a taxi to take you to the ferry terminal at Horseshoe Bay so you can take the ferry across to pick up your camper. This location makes it ideal to start from if you intend to tour Vancouver Islands and Mainland British Columbia. They are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

CanaDream RV Rentals

There are two River Roads just south of Vancouver Airport, so be sure to head to 7119 River Road in Delta (not Richmond), which is about a 20 minute drive away. Here, CanaDream RV offer multiple motorhome rental options. CanaDream has five styles to choose from, such as a two­ person deluxe van camper, a family­ sized super van camper, or the ‘exceptional comfort’ maxi motorhome. All RVs come with bathroom facilities so you have maximim freedom during your travels. There is a free transfer service to designated hotels around the airport and downtown Vancouver, and guests will need to stay overnight in a hotel or motel prior to picking up the vehicle. The depot is open 8am to 5pm Monday to Saturday from the start of October until the end of April, and 8am to 6pm Monday to Sunday from the start of May until the end of September.

Fraserway RV and Compass Campers

Fraserway RV and Compass Campers offer a large range of RVs suited for any traveler; with truck campers, van conversions, small motorhomes, large motorhomes, luxury rentals and even wheelchair accessible motorhomes. Operating from 747 Cliveden Place in Delta, these brands are just 20 minutes from the airport, and also offer free transfers to and from various hotels around Downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport before 1pm. Hours of operation are 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Friday, plus 8.30am to 4pm on Saturdays and 9am to 3pm on Sundays during the warmer months (1 May to 30 September). Note that if you are flying in from overseas, you cannot pick up your RV on the same day, so it’s recommended you book accommodation for that night. Drop offs are Monday to Saturday 9am to noon, with a one hour grace period, after which an overtime hourly rate will be charged.

Real Value RV Rentals

Real Value RV offers real RV value from its premises at 30580 South Fraser Way in Abbotsford, around an hour from the Vancouver International Airport. Be sure to give the team a heads up at least two days before you arrive so they know when and where to meet you for the free shuttle pick up. The company has motorhomes of 2­ to 6 berths, all three to five years old, well maintained and regularly serviced for an affordable RV rental from Vancouver. The hours of operation are 8.30am to 5pm weekdays and 8.30am to 4pm on Saturdays, and is closed on Sundays and public holidays. You will need to drop off your vehicle in clean condition on the interior with empty holding tanks and full fuel tanks from 9am to noon. Pick ups are scheduled for 11am to 3pm. If you do not return the motor home on time, you will be charged on an hourly basis.

Traveland RV Rentals

Traveland RV Rentals offer one of the biggest ranges of motor homes, campervans, folding trailers, van conversions and more in Vancouver. There are more than 500 vehicles in stock ­ many of which are internationally renowned brands such as Winnebago, Open Range, Grand Design, Jayco, Tiffin, Coachmen, and Aspen Trail. All vehicles are either brand new or less than two years old. The depot is located at 20529 Langley Bypass in Langley, which is about 45 minutes from the Vancouver Airport. It opens at 8.30am and closes at 5pm Monday to Saturday, and is open on Sundays and holidays April through to October from 11am to 4pm.

Ambassador RV Services and Energi RV Canada

Energi RV is operated by Ambassador RV, which is why they share the same address at 7973 River Road in Delta, about 25 minutes from Vancouver Airport. Transfers to and from the airport or hotels near the airport are included in the preparation fee, just let them know at least one day before you arrive. Ambassador and Energi offer six sizes of Class C motor home slide outs from a mid­-sized 22 foot camper to a 29 footer. Normal office hours are Monday through Saturday, 8am until 5pm, with drop offs due 8am to 10am and pick ups available 10am to 4pm. However, if you need to get away on a Sunday, the team will open the doors by special request for a $100 fee. You may pick up your RV on the day you arrive provided you are at the depot by 3pm. As many international flight arrival times are hard to predict, it is recommended you book your first night of accommodation in a hotel and pick up your rental the next day. Please also note that Ambassador and Energi do not allow vehicles for hire for trips to the Burning Man Festival.

Involved in the travel industry for over 15 years, I draw on that experience regularly in my position here at Motorhome Republic. As a motorhome holiday enthusiast I have done plenty of travelling in New Zealand, Europe, Southeast Asia as well as North and South America. I'd like to add Africa to my list- but I think I will wait until my kids are a bit older first! Until then I will be creating interesting travel related articles to help give you the information you need to plan your next big motorhome adventure!

Involved in the travel industry for over 15 years, I draw on that experience regularly in my position here at Motorhome Republic. As a motorhome holiday enthusiast I have done plenty of travelling in New Zealand, Europe, Southeast Asia as well as North and South America. I'd like to add Africa to my list- but I think I will wait until my kids are a bit older first! Until then I will be creating interesting travel related articles to help give you the information you need to plan your next big motorhome adventure!